About
Erik Sotvie Chhuo is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at POINTS & NEEDLES ACUPUNCTURE C in Oshawa, ON, he is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Erik's role involves providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Care is focused on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. He serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, with a compassionate and individualized approach.
Erik completed his R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, he is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. He has a particular interest and further training in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine.
His practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing time-tested therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body's innate healing capacity and restore natural balance (Yin-Yang Harmony). Erik believes in identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health. He also emphasizes preventative care and patient education (Zhì Wèi Bìng - Treat a disease before it occurs) to empower individuals in maintaining their well-being. He offers consultations in English, French, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Erik practices at POINTS & NEEDLES ACUPUNCTURE C, situated in the Vanier, McLaughlin West neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Oshawa and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.
- Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
- Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
- Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): A therapeutic technique involving the gentle but firm scraping of lubricated skin with a smooth-edged tool (e.g., jade, horn, ceramic spoon) to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which releases muscle tension, breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, reduces pain and inflammation, and promotes healing and detoxification by releasing 'Sha' (stagnant blood and metabolic waste).
- Qigong & Tai Chi Exercise Recommendations: Incorporating principles of mindful movement and breath to enhance the therapeutic effects of TCM treatments and empower self-healing.
- Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.
- TCM Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching (Yang Sheng): Comprehensive coaching to help you integrate TCM wisdom into your daily life for improved balance, vitality, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, fostering a proactive approach to health.
- Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Erik, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.
All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
At POINTS & NEEDLES ACUPUNCTURE C, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Erik frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Struggling with that nagging back pain that just won't go away? Erik develops individualized TCM treatment plans aimed at achieving improved mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in previously stiff or painful joints and muscles, key to helping you get back to doing, playing actively, and roughhousing with your young kids or grandkids with joy and energy with improved well-being and energy.
- Let Erik help you navigate ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that's bothersome with targeted TCM care. The goal is feeling significantly calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally balanced and resilient, so you can fully enjoy intimacy without pain or hormonal imbalances interfering and other life pleasures once more.
- The path to overcoming frequent colds, feeling like your immune system is weak, or taking a long time to recover from illness and achieving feeling empowered with practical self-care techniques, such as acupressure, moxibustion for home use, or specific TCM dietary advice is often clearer with TCM. Erik guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as participating in yoga or meditation with greater ease, comfort, and deeper relaxation with improved health.
- Through the gentle yet powerful methods of TCM, Erik assists patients wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions in reaching a deeper understanding of their body's unique energetic patterns and needs according to TCM principles, fostering a return to beloved activities like managing daily stress with a greater sense of calm, focus, and emotional resilience.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Erik, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Erik practices at POINTS & NEEDLES ACUPUNCTURE C, situated in the Vanier, McLaughlin West neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Oshawa and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Metered and paid parking lots are usually found in the vicinity.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- **Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?
- In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner (such as a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific requirements.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- No, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in private clinics are generally not covered by Ontario's OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for services provided by registered practitioners, so it is recommended to verify with your insurer.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair. Their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once inserted, patients may feel sensations such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness—signs that Qi is being influenced. Most find the experience relaxing and calming. Registered practitioners only use sterile, disposable needles to ensure safety. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience discomfort during treatment.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health based on ancient principles. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health, identifying patterns of imbalance through tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatments may include acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice aimed at restoring balance and promoting healing.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points called acupoints to stimulate the flow and balance of Qi along meridians. This can help reduce pain, alleviate stress, improve sleep, regulate bodily functions, strengthen the immune system, and support the body's natural healing processes.
POINTS & NEEDLES ACUPUNCTURE C
2-122 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, ON, L1G 4S5
Phone: (905) 430-0137
Erik Sotvie Chhuo is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=f0b2283f-bd76-e611-80c3-005056a97495
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.